Humanitarian aid has begun to flow into Gaza through a newly constructed U.S. military pier, overcoming several days of logistical delays. The U.S. military has successfully delivered over 600 metric tons of aid from Cyprus, with further deliveries expected to exceed 800 metric tons by the end of the day.
Despite initial setbacks, including the looting of U.N. trucks by desperate Palestinians, aid is now being distributed to civilians. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan acknowledged that while aid is being delivered, the pace is not as rapid as desired. The pier, part of a strategic initiative announced by President Biden in March, was developed to bypass limited ground route access controlled by Israel.
Distribution challenges remain, as aid groups require secure routes coordinated with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The tragic loss of seven aid workers in a recent drone strike has heightened distrust and hesitancy among humanitarian organizations operating in the region. These groups have also faced delays at border crossings, forcing nighttime travel under less secure conditions.
Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder emphasized that efforts to improve the operational capacity of the pier are ongoing, which should enhance aid flow in the coming days.
Senator Roger Wicker criticized the project, suggesting it risks troops’ lives and calling for its termination. Conversely, aid groups and experts argue that the focus should be on utilizing overland access more effectively rather than on the pier, which some view as an inefficient allocation of resources.
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